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US Commission Demands India Act After Religious Riots

Agence France-Presse

   A U.S. government commission on Wednesday faulted India's response to
   deadly communal riots in New Delhi and urged the government to take
   swift action to protect the Muslim minority.

   The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which advises
   the U.S. government but does not set policy, voiced "grave concern"
   about the violence which broke out as President Donald Trump was
   visiting.

   "One of the essential duties of any responsible government is to
   provide protection and physical security for its citizens, regardless
   of faith," said chairman Tony Perkins, a conservative Christian close
   to the Trump administration.

   "We urge the Indian government to take serious efforts to protect
   Muslims and others targeted by mob violence," he said in a statement.

   Anurima Bhargava, a commissioner appointed by Democratic House Speaker
   Nancy Pelosi, voiced alarm at reports that Delhi police "have not
   intervened in violent attacks against Muslims."

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